Man sentenced to probation in domestic battery, DUI case

URBANA — A Champaign man who pleaded guilty to a domestic battery and driving under the influence of alcohol has been sentenced to two years of probation.

In return for Nathaniel Buckner's pleas, Assistant State's Attorney Matt Banach agreed to dismiss a more serious charge of aggravated battery against Buckner that stemmed from a September 2011 incident in Savoy.

Buckner, 22, whose last known address was in the 600 block of East Stoughton Street in Champaign, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic battery, admitting that on Feb. 21, 2012, he shook his girlfriend, threw her down and screamed in her face.

In a separate case, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor DUI, admitting that he drove under the influence of alcohol on May 26, 2012, near the intersection of Windsor Road and Prospect Avenue.

As part of his probation, he has to participate in a victim impact panel and partner abuse intervention, get substance abuse treatment and have no contact with the woman he battered.